This helmet looks like the helmet a "Trail" Rider would use instead of looking like something that crossed over from road biking, your little brothers skate helmet, or an overkill full-faced number.
It could use more ventilation. That is why it falls short of 5 chillis. At high speed I notice that the vents aren't capable of keeping up with the blow-by air. However, even in the southern Utah heat it has always been bearable.
You can't just throw this helmet on- you have to "apply" it to your head. It only takes a second and then it feels great. No knobs or switches to tighten but it's still perfectly snug.
I haven't tried the full coverage lids from Giro or Fox, but I know they cost at least twice as much as the F14 and they just look bulky.
I've thought about buying a second one just to have around when this one wears out.

It's a great helmet that won't leave you looking like a dork. I like the backside protection in particular. I've had this helmet for about two years and it's held up under regular riding and I expect it will go strong for a long time to come.

Great lid even if you have to pay retail. Shop around you can come up on closeouts for cheap. It is rare to find a lid for big heads! This lid does accomodate craniums 7 3/4. To 8 if you remove some padding and it is still comfortable. My chromies at "4130 Subway Series Ride" inquire what it is and give positive feedback. So far no issues. When I need to I'm going back for another THE!!!

This thing is sick! I put it on when it arrived from ups and i could literally feel the air circulate over my dome, while just walking around my house. Gone are the days of the stuffy and poorly ventilated gyro semi.

Strengths: Fit, very adjustable and very secure. Gives the back coverage I liked in sk8 helmets without making me look like a 12 year old hitting plastic tabletops in the driveway! Also much cooler than a trad sk8 lid and probably less stench factor. I'll assume it will protect well but fortunately I have yet to kiss any wood since owning it.

Weaknesses: Some people might not like the color choices (I don't really care)

Bottom Line:

I don't like xc helmets because I mostly freeride and downhill and prefer more protection in the back. This offers similar coverage with better ventilation and for us veteran class aged guys doesn't make us look ridiculous!

Strengths: Extremely light for the coverage offered
This review is for the F-14 IZYK
Fits well on my head
Light for the style of helmet
Well vented so it feels like a cross country helmet more than a skate/moto style lid
Awesome coverage (back of the head)
visor can be removed if you're a purist
Has a simple rear retention system
Affordable and won't break the bank!

Weaknesses: I got the black one and wished it had a Matte finish instead of glossy......in the grand scheme of things, only an aesthetic thing which is pretty much of an opinion rather than an actual weakness.

Bottom Line:

Putting on this helmet was an awesome surprise!

This lid is by far the best Lid I have worn in a long time.
I have worn many helmets over the years from Skate lids to Full faced to hybrid skate/mtn lids, and helmets have always been "just some form of protection to cover your head" I have never been overly stoked on a helmet in the past and I have never found a lid with all the features that I wanted in a helmet until now!

The F-14 helmet SHOULD not be compared to any skate lid at all as it is truly in it's own class.

THE has this helmet really well thought out for the trail rider that wants the best out of a skate style helmet, (offer more protection on the back end of your melon) but made it light weight and well vented so it feels like an XC lid while riding. The rear retention grabber is just enough to keep the lid in place that keeps the helmet from back end wiggles when blasting down a technical trail (which is more than other skate lid offerings that are much heavier and have a tendency to move around while riding after you start sweating)

In addition - the F14 has it's own identity as far as design goes and does not have that "Borrowed from Skate or BMX look" so you don't feel like you're supposed to be in a sk8 park or a halfpipe.

Finally in summary: here is the last of my bottom line:

Keeps your head well protected
Light
well vented - if compared to your skate stype helmet
Good fit - has extra pads - but this was the first helmet that fit me well out of the box
you can afford it
I true All mountain helmet - Not Biased to any particular "Stereotype" in style of helmet: XC, FR, DJ, AM, Urban, Park, Pipe - you can put it on and really feel like you have the right helmet on no matter where you ride
your stoke factor will go up
Yes - I am stoked with my purchase!

Strengths: Extremely light for the coverage offered
This review is for the F-14 IZYK
Fits well on my head
Light for the style of helmet
Well vented so it feels like a cross country helmet more than a skate/moto style lid
Awesome coverage (back of the head)
visor can be removed if you're a purist
Has a simple rear retention system
Affordable and won't break the bank!

Weaknesses: I got the black one and wished it had a Matte finish instead of glossy......in the grand scheme of things, only an aesthetic thing which is pretty much of an opinion rather than an actual weakness.

Bottom Line:

Putting on this helmet was an awesome surprise!

This lid is by far the best Lid I have worn in a long time.
I have worn many helmets over the years from Skate lids to Full faced to hybrid skate/mtn lids, and helmets have always been "just some form of protection to cover your head" I have never been overly stoked on a helmet in the past and I have never found a lid with all the features that I wanted in a helmet until now!

The F-14 helmet SHOULD not be compared to any skate lid at all as it is truly in it's own class.

THE has this helmet really well thought out for the trail rider that wants the best out of a skate style helmet, (offer more protection on the back end of your melon) but made it light weight and well vented so it feels like an XC lid while riding. The rear retention grabber is just enough to keep the lid in place that keeps the helmet from back end wiggles when blasting down a technical trail (which is more than other skate lid offerings that are much heavier and have a tendency to move around while riding after you start sweating)

In addition - the F14 has it's own identity as far as design goes and does not have that "Borrowed from Skate or BMX look" so you don't feel like you're supposed to be in a sk8 park or a halfpipe.

Finally in summary: here is the last of my bottom line:

Keeps your head well protected
Light
well vented - if compared to your skate stype helmet
Good fit - has extra pads - but this was the first helmet that fit me well out of the box
you can afford it
I true All mountain helmet - Not Biased to any particular "Stereotype" in style of helmet: XC, FR, DJ, AM, Urban, Park, Pipe - you can put it on and really feel like you have the right helmet on no matter where you ride
your stoke factor will go up
Yes - I am stoked with my purchase!